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Coaching the Whole Athlete is more than just a coach education program, it is a way to re-envision the coach-athlete relationship through a lens of human development, holism, authenticity and agency. It is an understanding that each individual has value beyond their athletic ability and that how we engage as coaches with our athletes leaves a lasting impact on their psycho-social well-being, identity development and self-confidence.
One of the best way to understand and engage with this perspective is to share and hear from others' stories. The Coaching the Whole Athlete blog will provide a platform for athletes, coaches and others to contribute their perspective and reflect on how this resonates with their own experiences.
Read below for experiences, stories and insights!
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(w)Hole in the Boat - Finding Myself in the Storm by Dustin Dailey, Director of Sport Performance Wake Forest WBasketball
I’m done. 14 years of playing a game I loved summarized in two syllables, and that really hurt. I have never quit anything before in my...
Brianna Welch
Mar 26, 20245 min read
767 views
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With Love and Genuine Intentions, You Always Win - Kristen Sharkey Syracuse Basketball
The biggest piece for me to be a great coach is to be a transparent human being. I make mistakes every day and I am learning and growing..
Kristen Sharkey
Jan 29, 20248 min read
354 views
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Recent NCAA Report on Mental Health Sheds Light on Student-Athlete Perceptions of Coaches Care and Concern
A new NCAA study, based on responses from over 20,000 current student athletes, has helped to identify important trends from the...
Brianna Welch
Jan 9, 20243 min read
30 views
0 comments
Disruptive Behavior?! by Steve Barnes, Associate Head Coach FSU Swimming & Diving
Taking the time to talk, learn, and acknowledge who each student-athlete is builds trust and displays investment in their well-being..
Steve Barnes
Dec 20, 20236 min read
41 views
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Who Am I If not me? - Former U.S. National Team & Head Coach at Duke, Megan Cooke-Carcagno
I sat at a long table, the one typically used for team meetings and video sessions, with my elbows propping up my chin, as if my head was...
Brianna Welch
Oct 25, 20236 min read
246 views
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How is Human You? - By Katie Scanlon, Syracuse University
College athletics, especially in today’s environment, can feel all-consuming. From traditional elements of the profession such as...
Brianna Welch
Sep 29, 20233 min read
27 views
0 comments
A personal reflection on motherhood & women leaders in sports - by Brianna Welch
To the readers, You may have noticed there wasn’t a March newsletter for Coaching the Whole Athlete — it wasn’t because of lack of...
Brianna Welch
Sep 21, 20237 min read
233 views
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Running through Memories - By Dylan Welch, former collegiate track athlete, Bowdoin College
I needed a space where I could empty myself of the desire to be “great,” and rid myself of external pressures and expectations..
Dylan Welch
Feb 28, 20235 min read
342 views
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University Streaming Platforms Present New Challenges & Opportunities For Coaches and their Athletes
..this additional avenue for fame and recognition may add incentive for student-athletes to lean more heavily into their sport identity
Madison Granger
Feb 27, 20233 min read
15 views
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Beyond the X's and O's - by George Kiefer, Head Coach NC State Men's Soccer
..connecting with the athletes is what builds the camaraderie and a healthy culture and that then builds the foundation for everything else
George Kiefer
Jan 27, 20236 min read
75 views
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The mishandling of Tua Tagovailoa’s head injuries & what it tells us about our flawed sports culture
How many mistakes made, concussed athletes, or lives lost are needed in athletics until CARE for the human being becomes the first...
Brianna Welch
Jan 17, 20233 min read
40 views
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Prof. track athlete Alli Ostrander & her ongoing legacy of body image/mental health advocacy
Each time Ostrander uses her voice, we believe she helps make others who are struggling feel more supported in taking steps towards recovery
Madison Granger
Jan 17, 20232 min read
72 views
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Flow - Tapping into a state of being to achieve Peak Performance AND Happiness
It feels like you are flying, like time has slowed down and you don’t even need to think to execute your plan, it all just happens.
Brianna Welch
Nov 30, 20225 min read
117 views
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Report Shines Light on Dehumanizing Culture at NWSL
Last month the world got a sobering and discouraging picture of what life has been like for many players on the National Women’s Soccer...
Madison Granger
Nov 29, 20223 min read
39 views
0 comments
“It’s Not What You Know, It’s What You Do! Love Them First, Coach Them Second” - by Kris Ganeff
Truly take a look at your athletes and before you try to give them all the skill knowledge you know, stop and just love them first.
Kris Ganeff
Oct 28, 20224 min read
66 views
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Focus on the Whole Coach - by Adam Ginsburg
..we really need to be introspective first and know who we are as a person and a coach before we are fully able to coach others.
Adam Ginsburg
Sep 27, 20225 min read
146 views
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Duke Volleyball Player Endures Racial Heckling During Game Against BYU
It is extremely difficult to combat racism if we don't first look within and understand our own identities and privileges.
Brianna Welch
Aug 31, 20223 min read
24 views
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Adding Motivational Interviewing to Your Coaching Toolbox
When coaches are able to help their athletes navigate ambivalence, they empower them to perform better and have more positive experiences...
Madison Granger
Aug 31, 20223 min read
37 views
0 comments
How Are We Measuring Success? by Madison Granger, CWA Co-Facilitator and Business Development
When both administrators and coaches have gone through the program, they will finish with a clearer understanding of, and empathy for, each
Madison Granger
Jul 29, 20228 min read
62 views
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Committing to Ongoing Learning: Opening ourselves up to feedback despite what we may receive
It takes a strong sense of self and a commitment to growth to hear others out..if we are able to develop this skill we will be better for it
Brianna Welch
Mar 31, 20226 min read
69 views
0 comments
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